Nelson
Gender: Boy
Meaning: Son of Neil or son of the champion
Origin: English
Popularity: Ranked #825 in 2025 with 300 babies born.
History: Nelson originated as a medieval English surname meaning 'son of Neil.' It transitioned into a given name largely in honor of British naval hero Admiral Horatio Nelson, who won the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. It remains popular in English-speaking countries and parts of Latin America.
Famous people named Nelson: Nelson Mandela (South African president)
Name length: 6 letters
How common is Nelson? About 1 in 11,095 babies born in 2025 were named Nelson, or roughly 0.8 per day in the United States.
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Frequently asked about Nelson
What does the name Nelson mean?
Nelson means “Son of Neil or son of the champion” from English roots.
What is the origin of the name Nelson?
Nelson has English origin. The traditional meaning is “Son of Neil or son of the champion”.
How popular is Nelson?
Nelson ranked #824 in 2025 — given to 300 babies that year.
When was Nelson most popular?
Nelson peaked in 1959 with 1,083 babies registered that year.
Is Nelson a boy or girl name?
Nelson is predominantly a boys' name — over 90% of Nelsons in registered births are male.
Is the name Nelson rising or falling in popularity?
Nelson has risen 14529 spots in the rankings over the last 5 years — from #15353 in 2020 to #824 in 2025.
How long has Nelson been recorded?
Nelson appears in birth records across 146 years — from 1880 through 2025.